What Causes Bleeding Years After a Hysterectomy?

Women who have had a hysterectomy can sometimes experience bleeding years after the surgery was performed. Why would a woman bleed if she had a hysterectomy or why would she experience spotting years after a hysterectomy?

There can be several reasons for bleeding after a hysterectomy. Years later, if bleeding occurs, you should seek a medical professional’s diagnosis. Some causes of bleeding are minor and common, but others can be serious and require immediate medical intervention.

If you have had a hysterectomy and bleeding years later, you have an understandable concern, especially if you are a cancer survivor. Do not put off making an appointment to have any post hysterectomy bleeding evaluated.

Why would I bleed if I had a hysterectomy?

Post-menopausal bleeding after a hysterectomy is uncommon, and always indicates the need for further examination.

Abnormal cells, including cancer cells in the genital tract, could be the source of the bleeding.

Aging causes a thinning of the vaginal walls and fragile vaginal tissue. Bleeding can be caused by a benign growth, such as a polyp.

You may develop small cracks or fissures in the thin vaginal tissue that causes bleeding. These are usually minor conditions, but they can be painful or uncomfortable.

Scar tissue in the vagina, lesions in the vagina or externally on the vulva can also cause bleeding. Your physician can prescribe an antibiotic cream or gel to provide relief from the discomfort of these conditions.

The bleeding may not be from the vagina. It may originate in the bladder or the rectum, which could be a serious condition. Colon issues can cause bleeding that is mistaken for vaginal bleeding.

Always see your gynecologist to determine the source of the bleeding and the best options for treatment.

What causes a brown discharge after a hysterectomy?

Any change in vaginal symptoms including discharge after hysterectomy years later is worth a discussion with your doctor. If you have had a hysterectomy, the discharge could be the result of vaginal atrophy or a vaginal infection. Vaginal atrophy is caused by decreased estrogen production and is often associated with a discharge from the vagina.

A tear in the vaginal cuff (scar tissue from where the uterus was removed) would be a more serious condition, though this is not common.

Any woman who has had cancer or pre-cancerous cell formation should consult a physician regarding vaginal discharge or any other abnormalities that occur after a hysterectomy, even if it is years after the surgery.

There have been recent discussions as to whether gynecological exams are necessary for elderly women who have been through menopause and have had hysterectomies. If you have a history of cancer, and you have bleeding, vaginal discharge, or ongoing discomfort, you should seek the advice of your physician.

The odds are that everything will be fine and a simple prescription or reassuring talk with your doctor is all you need, but as the old saying goes, “Better safe, than sorry!”